What is the relevance of exploring the Jewish roots of Jesus in understanding the Sacraments?

Question

what is the relevance of exploring the Jewish roots of Jesus in understanding the Sacraments?

Answer 1

Jesus didn't have 'Jewish roots' - Jesus was a practising Jew, end of topic.

He lived as a Jew and he died a Jew when the Romans crucified him. During his life he was just another young radical, and one of many. It was a long time later that Emperor Constantine broached the idea of elevating Jesus to the status of messiah and son of G-d. Paul, who never even met Jesus, also did a lot to develop Christianity.

Why can't Christians appreciate that their religion, and Judaism, are two entirely separate entities? Christianity has nothing to do with Judaism. Almost everything you believe in contradicts what Judaism teaches. The only people who are truly practising the same faith as Jesus, are the Jews.

Now watch all the thumbs down from people who simply can't accept truth and logic when they read it.

Answer 2

The liturgy of the the Eucharist is based on the last supper and the actions and words of Jesus at that meal are derived from his Jewish background.
I would recommend every Christian at least once to try and get themselves invited to a Jewish Passover meal.

Answer 3

Many of the things Jesus said and did have greater meaning when you understand what those things refered to in the Old Testament scriptures and traditions.

For example, Jesus tells Peter "I give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." There is great significance in this statement and it draws on a knowledge of the Old Testament and traditions of the ancient Jews.

In our day and age, giving someone "the keys" to our house means we trust them, they are a family member or close friend...but in the time of Christ giving of the keys meant much more. At that time, when the king left his palace for a lengthy time, he would put his right hand man in charge. He gave him the keys to the palace. This effectively gave him the authority to act in his place. While the king was away, the one who had been given the keys had the authority to make decsions, and run the palace in the king's place. The person who had been given the keys was also given a great responsiblity....take care of the kings' family, servants, and home. This is what Jesus was doing when he gave Peter the keys. It's very significant. Peter was given the authority to act in the place of Christ, until He returns.

Also, the loosing and binding statement is pulled from the Old Testament. Isaiah 22:20 is what Jesus refers to when he talks to Peter as well...

Then it will come about in that day, that I will summon my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and I will clothe him with your tunic and tie your sash securely about him. I will entrust him with your authority, and he will become a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah.
"Then I will set the key of the house of David on his shoulder, when he opens no one will shut, when he shuts no one will open. I will drive him like a peg in a firm place, and he will become a throne of glory to his father's house."

So, it helps to understand the things the Jews, who had been raised knowing and understanding the scripture and their sacred tradition, because the things that Jesus said and did, often relied on a knowledge of this.

Answer 4

I have found that is is easier for me to understand the Scriptures when I have a better understanding of the Jewish Roots.